Tips on saving water in the garden
Below are listed some water saving tips for your garden
*Consult with your local nursery for information on plant selection and placement for optimum outdoor water savings.
*To decrease water from being wasted on sloping lawns, apply water for five minutes and then repeat two to three times.
*Avoid recreational water toys which require a constant stream of water.
*Add water crystals to soil to enhance water retention by up to 35%
*Adjust sprinklers so only your lawn is watered and not the house, sidewalk, or street.
*Don't water your lawn on windy days when most of the water blows away or evaporates.
*Keep planted areas dense and consolidated, and group plants according to their water requirements.
*Choose lawns and native Australian plants with a low water demand.
*Mulch can reduce evaporation from soil by up to 70%. Mulch is like blanket on the soil, keeping it cool and protecting it from drying out.
*See if plants need watering by testing the soil with your finger. If it's damp 2 cm down, you don't need to water.
*Wash your car on the lawn and water the grass at the same time.
*We're more likely to notice leaks indoors, but don't forget to check outdoor garden taps, sprinklers and hoses for leaks.
*When cleaning your driveways, use a broom instead of the hose.
*Gain an understanding of where your plants lie in the shade or sun path of the sun. Use dry-soil plants in sunny areas, and use plants that require more water in shady areas where evaporation is slower.
*Ensure you install covers on your pools and spas and check for leaks around your pumps.
*When watering your garden, give your plants just enough water to get right down to its roots. Water is wasted when you give your plants too much water and the water drains away from the roots.
*Have a look at your backyard and see what kind of shading you have. Why not plant some trees to give you some shading and it will also reduce evaporation and also help the enviroment!
*Instead of using the hose to clean driveways and gutters, use a broom. It saves water and you get a workout as well!
*Next time you mow your lawns, try not to cut the grass too short - below 3cm. If the lawn is too short it will burn because it has no leaf protection. Taller grass also holds and contains water better.
*Check the root zone of your lawn or garden for moisture before watering using a spade or trowel. If it's still moist two inches under the soil surface, you still have enough water.
*Try and not to water your garden on windy days as most of the water blows away or evaporates!
Source: http://www.wateruseitwisely.com/100-ways-to-conserve/index.php; http://www.abc.net.au/water/stories/s1864974.htm; http://members.houselogic.com/articles/how-to-save-water-when-gardening/preview/;http://www.hunterwater.com.au/Save-Water/In-The-Garden/Top-Tips-for-a-Water-Efficient-Garden.aspx;http://www.greenevillewater.org/node/17
